Encino Residents Warned of Burglary Increase
Residents in Encino and across the San Fernando Valley are being urged to increase vigilance following a recent rise in home burglaries. Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman's office is offering resources and updates to residents in the area.
- The Los Angeles Police Department has identified the perpetrators as coordinated, organized crews that often arrive in multiple cars and target homes from the rear. These groups tend to steal smaller, high-value items like cash, designer purses, and jewelry. - In a recent seven-day period, 27 burglaries were reported in the LAPD's Topanga Division, which covers West San Fernando Valley neighborhoods including Woodland Hills and Canoga Park. Some criminals have used advanced technology like Wi-Fi jammers to disable home security systems during break-ins. - In response, the LAPD's West Valley Division has implemented a dedicated crime suppression strategy that includes enhanced patrol visibility, the use of mounted officers, and helicopter patrols. Detectives are also coordinating with the Sheriff's Departments' Burglary & Robbery Taskforce to target these organized crews. - The recent crime wave has included the tragic killing of two Encino residents, "American Idol" executive Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca, during a burglary in their home. A suspect, Raymond Boodarian, has been arrested and charged with the murders. - Community concern has grown, with some residents hiring private armed guards, forming neighborhood watch groups, and considering purchasing firearms for protection. Over 200 residents attended a recent community meeting with the LAPD and District Attorney to discuss safety measures. - High-profile incidents have included an attempted burglary at the home of former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Teddi Mellencamp, where intruders fled after an alarm was triggered. - Law enforcement officials have noted a trend of "burglary tourism," where thieves from South American countries, particularly Chile, enter the U.S. on tourist visas to carry out sprees of residential burglaries.
